Once again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, and the Lord gave King Eglon of Moab control over Israel because of their evil. Eglon enlisted the Ammonites and Amalekites as allies, and then he went out and defeated Israel, taking possession of Jericho, the city of palms. And the Israelites served Eglon of Moab for eighteen years. But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord again raised up a rescuer to save them. JUDGES 3:12-15a NLT

Men of Courage…

Turn to God

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. MATTHEW 4:17 NLT
His name was Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver their tribute money to King Eglon of Moab. So Ehud made a double-edged dagger that was about a foot long, and he strapped it to his right thigh, keeping it hidden under his clothing. JUDGES 3:15b-16 NLT

Prepare for action

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 PETER 1:13 NLT
He brought the tribute money to Eglon, who was very fat. After delivering the payment, Ehud started home with those who had helped carry the tribute. But when Ehud reached the stone idols near Gilgal, he turned back. He came to Eglon and said, “I have a secret message for you.” So the king commanded his servants, “Be quiet!” and he sent them all out of the room. Ehud walked over to Eglon, who was sitting alone in a cool upstairs room. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you!” JUDGES 3:17-20a NLT

Face their fears

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14 NLT
Courage is not about our personality, it’s about our purpose
As King Eglon rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled out the dagger strapped to his right thigh, and plunged it into the king’s belly. The dagger went so deep that the handle disappeared beneath the king’s fat. So Ehud did not pull out the dagger, and the king’s bowels emptied. Then Ehud closed and locked the doors of the room and escaped down the latrine. After Ehud was gone, the king’s servants returned and found the doors to the upstairs room locked. They thought he might be using the latrine in the room, so they waited. But when the king didn’t come out after a long delay, they became concerned and got a key. And when they opened the doors, they found their master dead on the floor. While the servants were waiting, Ehud escaped, passing the stone idols on his way to Seirah. JUDGES 3:20b-26 NLT

Do what others won’t

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” JAMES 2:18 NLT
When he arrived in the hill country of Ephraim, Ehud sounded a call to arms. Then he led a band of Israelites down from the hills. “Follow me,” he said, “for the Lord has given you victory over Moab your enemy.” So they followed him. And the Israelites took control of the shallow crossings of the Jordan River across from Moab, preventing anyone from crossing. They attacked the Moabites and killed about 10,000 of their strongest and most able-bodied warriors. Not one of them escaped. So Moab was conquered by Israel that day, and there was peace in the land for eighty years. JUDGES 3:27-30 NLT

Lead with what God has given them

The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! MATTHEW 25:21 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

What images or moments jump into your mind when you think about courage?
When was the last time you used courage to overcome a fear and stand strong for something or someone?
Read Matthew 4:17. In what ways is God the source of your courage and strength?
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. What are some things you have to be “on guard” against so you can remain courageous, strong and loving?
Read Matthew 25:21. What do you wish God would give you?
In what way have you been faithful with what he has already given to you? What improvements do you need to make?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be with God. Consider you life—are there any battles that you need to face? They might not seem as dramatic as an oppressed nation, but it might be something that is oppressing you or someone else in your life. Turn to God and talk to him about the situation. What has held you back from taking action? Ask God how he wants to meet you in what you’re experiencing. In what way is he demonstrating his presence to you? How can he be your strength? Now ask God how you can use who you are and how he has made you to enter this situation to bring change. During your week, move with God and take steps towards fighting your battle.

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Courage